Friction Inserts
High friction coefficient solutions for chassis and powertrain applications
Friction Inserts for automotive: solve slipping joints by increasing friction
When a bolted joint fails in simulation or testing, engineers urgently need to understand how to increase friction quickly and effectively. In automotive applications, achieving a high friction coefficient is critical to prevent slipping and ensure safety.
Whether you are solving an urgent issue or evaluating innovation, Freudenberg Friction Inserts secure critical joints and enable higher load transmission without redesign, making them ideal for both troubleshooting and advanced engineering.
Freudenberg Friction Inserts provide a fast, production-ready alternative to traditional friction shims, enabling engineers to immediately increase friction in bolted joints.
Key Features
- High static friction coefficient
- Ultra-thin design with no tolerance impact
- Hard particle layer for micro-interlock
- Suitable for retrofit and series production
- Optical detectability for quality control
- Bespoke product configuration for every use case
- IATF 16949 certified
Key Benefits
- Immediate fix for slipping joints and failed tests
- Drop-in solution without redesign
- Transmission of higher torque and shear forces
- Enables lightweight and compact designs
- Supports shared-part strategies
- Compatible with low to high-volume production
- Fast prototyping and testing support
What are Friction Inserts?
Friction Inserts are ultra-thin friction materials consisting of a nonwoven carrier coated with hard particles (industrial diamonds). These particles penetrate mating surfaces, creating a mechanical interlock that significantly increases friction.
Friction Inserts are custom made to the shape and size for every particular application.
Unlike traditional friction shims, Friction Inserts:
- Do not affect tolerances
- Provide consistent friction values
- Can be integrated easily into existing assemblies
- Do not corrode
Detailed automotive use cases
In chassis and powertrain systems, joints are exposed to increasing loads due to electrification, lightweighting, and performance demands. Typical applications include:
- Steering systems to axle beams
- Engine mounts and subframes
- Gearbox housings and brackets
- Differential connections
Friction Inserts allow project leads to quickly resolve failures without changing geometry. At the same time, predevelopment engineers can integrate them early to unlock new design possibilities. Freudenberg supports automotive teams with:
- Fast response and sampling
- Proven industrial scalability
- Expertise in validation and production integration
- Collaboration across engineering, quality, and purchasing
- APQP logic and IATF 16949 Certified
Why Friction Increase Matters in Automotive
Increasing friction prevents:
- Joint slippage
- Bolt loosening or deformation
- Noise and vibration issues
This improves safety and durability while enabling downsizing and cost efficiency.
Frequently asked questions for Friction Inserts in automotive applications
Use Friction Inserts as a drop-in friction increase material.
Friction inserts work with nearly all metal material combinations.
Freudenberg Friction Inserts can be applied by manual gluing on the part, or they can come as self-adhesive stickers or can be handled by highly automated application systems.
Yes, Friction Inserts are designed for automotive-scale manufacturing and quality control.